OC Transpo On-Demand
Introducing On-Demand transit service on Sundays in Blackburn Hamlet !
On Sunday, February 11, we introduced OC Transpo On-Demand, an On-Demand transit service pilot project that provides responsive transit options for the Blackburn Hamlet community.
During the soft-launch of this first phase of testing, On-Demand buses offer service in Blackburn Hamlet and to and from Blair Station and Gloucester Centre only on Sundays and select holidays between 9 am and 6:30 pm.
OC Transpo On-Demand creates a responsive service based on customers’ trip requests instead of traditional fixed routes and schedules.
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How do I book or cancel a trip?
Ready to give it a try? You can easily book or cancel trips using the On-Demand Transit Rider App available on iOS and Android devices in three simple steps:
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Download the On-Demand Transit Rider App on a mobile device
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Enter the transit code “OCTranspo”
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Create an account to book a trip and enjoy a flexible and responsive experience
You can also book or cancel a trip by contacting OC Transpo Customer Service at 613-560-5000.
When boarding, the bus operator will ask for the email or username/nickname you provided when signing up for the On-Demand Transit Rider App.
Please note that the On-Demand Transit Rider App requires internet or mobile data connection to function properly.
Pick-up and drop-off locations
You can book same-day and next-day trips between select Route 28 bus stops, Blair Station and the Gloucester Centre, where you can transfer to OC Transpo buses, O-Train Line 1 or Para Transpo service.
If you are at Blair Station and have not booked a ride, you can still approach a stationary On-Demand bus at Stop F at Blair Station to request service. The availability of walk-on service at Bair Station will be dependent on seating capacity onboard.
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Map of OC Transpo On-Demand service area and bus stop locations.
Click the image above for a closer look.
| Stop code | Stop name |
|---|---|
| 8692 | BEARBROOK East / CENTREPARK North |
| 8693 | BEARBROOK West / NORTH CENTREPARK |
| 8936 | BEARBROOK West / CENTREPARK South |
| 2588 | BEARBROOK West / HORNET'S NEST PARK |
| 8981 | BEARBROOK West / LAFARGE ASPHALT |
| 5612 | BEARBROOK East / LAFARGE ASPHALT |
| 8982 | BEARBROOK West / ST JOSEPH |
| 8192 | BEARBROOK East / ST JOSEPH |
| 2589 | BEARBROOK South / WESTPARK North |
| 2586 | BEARBROOK North / WESTPARK North |
| 5927 | BLACKBURN ARENA |
| 3027 | BLAIR F |
| 4446 | CITY PARK / OGILVIE |
| 0004 | CLEROUX North |
| 0005 | CLEROUX South |
| 8195 | EASTPARK North / BEECHMONT |
| 2608 | EASTPARK East / INNES |
| 2606 | EASTPARK North / OAKHURST |
| 2607 | EASTPARK East / REDMAPLE |
| 2612 | INNES North / BEARBROOK East |
| 8928 | INNES North / BEARBROOK West |
| 8682 | INNES / BEDDOE |
| 2649 | INNES South / CLÉROUX East |
| 8198 | INNES South / CLÉROUX West |
| 1521 | INNES North/ CLÉROUX West |
| 1522 | INNES North / EASTPARK East |
| 2609 | INNES North / EASTPARK West |
| 8197 | INNES South / EASTPARK West |
| 2611 | INNES / GLEN PARK |
| 8799 | INNES / GRAVELLE |
| 8199 | INNES South / ORIENT PARK |
| 8683 | INNES North / ORIENT PARK |
| 8952 | INNES / RONDEL |
| 2613 | INNES South / TAUVETTE |
| 2614 | INNES North / TAUVETTE |
| 0002 | LOBLAWS (On-Demand) / BLAIR |
| 8684 | NORTHPARK North/ BEARBROOK |
| 2600 | NORTHPARK / BURNVIEW |
| 0744 | OGILVIE / CITY PARK |
| 2601 | RIDGEBURN / DICEMAN |
| 8025 | SOUTHPARK / INNES |
| 8679 | SOUTHPARK / WOODBURN West |
| 2619 | SOUTHPARK / WOODBURN East |
| 2618 | SOUTHPARK / WOODVIEW |
| 8990 | ST JOSEPH / BEARBROOK |
| 5682 | ST JOSEPH North / R.R. 174 |
| 2369 | ST JOSEPH South / R.R. 174 |
| 2615 | TAUVETTE / AD. 19 |
| 8678 | TAUVETTE / INNES |
| 2616 | TAUVETTE / SOUTHPARK |
| 0003 | WALMART / BLAIR |
| 1735 | INNES South / BLACKBURN HAMLET |
| 8689 | WESTPARK North / VALEWOOD |
| 1161 | WESTPARK West / PARKRIDGE North |
| 2592 | WESTPARK west / PARKRIDGE South |
| 8690 | WESTPARK South / PARKWOOD |
| 2595 | WESTPARK South/ BEARBROOK South |
| 2594 | WESTPARK South / HIGHPARK |
Days and hours of service
OC Transpo On-Demand runs on Sundays between 9 am and 6:30 pm.
Your trip will be accepted if it can be completed within On-Demand service hours.
Trips cannot be booked on Sundays between 12:10 pm and 1:04 pm, or between 3:10 pm and 4:04 pm due to scheduled operator breaks.
On-Demand service will be running during these holidays:
- Good Friday: Friday, March 29, 2024
- Victoria Day: Monday, May 20, 2024
Route 28 will continue to operate on weekdays and Saturdays.
In the event of significant disruptions to On-Demand service, regular Route 28 service will be provided. Contact OC Transpo Customer Service at 613-560-5000 for more information.
Fares and transfers
Customers can pay their fare for On-Demand service by using a Presto card, credit card, mobile wallet, cash or showing their transfer.
- DayPasses can only be purchased with cash on an On-Demand bus. You can also use O-Payment (credit card) to take advantage of daily fare capping at the same price as a DayPass.
- Customers must use a credit card, mobile wallet, cash, or second Presto card when purchasing fare for an accompanying passenger on an On-Demand bus.
Please note that, new O-Payment readers are being installed and tested for use on ten buses as part of the On-Demand transit pilot project.
Remember, customers will only pay their fare when boarding a bus. No payment will be requested at the time of booking.
Accessibility
Up to two customers using wheelchairs or other mobility devices are permitted on board On-Demand buses at one time and their device must be safely secured during travel. Similar to regular OC Transpo bus service, operators are available to assist customers throughout their travels.
Any customer can use On-Demand service. However, OC Transpo On-Demand requires customers to travel to and from bus stops independently.
Although On-Demand transit will use Para Transpo buses for the demonstration project, there will be no effect on Para Transpo service to customers. The service will only operate on Sundays and select holidays, using Para Transpo buses that are not being used due to lower demand for Para Transpo service on those days.
Benefits of on-demand transit
Blackburn Hamlet was selected as the pilot zone for On-Demand service due to low transit ridership on weekends.
The potential benefits of on-demand transit include:
- Shorter wait and travel times
- Shorter walking distances
- Lower emissions
- Increased travel options for customers
Feedback
The On-Demand pilot project will be extended in the future to include testing on both Saturdays and Sundays. During the testing period, your feedback is essential and will help shape the future of your transit experience.
Share your thoughts using our feedback form or by calling our Customer Service team at 613-560-5000.
Safety
Customers are required to stay seated and wear a seatbelt to stay safe while on board an On-Demand bus. Standing is not permitted, and mobility devices must be safely secured during travel.
Bicycles are not permitted on board On-Demand buses for safety reasons and because there is limited space within the vehicle.
Strollers are permitted on board On-Demand buses and must be safely secured during travel.
FAQs: What you need to know
Q1. Can I use OC Transpo On-Demand service for any destination within Ottawa on Sundays?
A1. On-Demand service is currently being offered on select Route 28 stops in the Blackburn Hamlet area, connecting to Blair Station and Gloucester Centre. It's not available city-wide. This pilot project will help us gather user feedback to assess the need and feasibility of extending On-Demand services to other areas or routes in Ottawa in the future.
Q2. How do I know if my trip request has been accepted?
A2. Once you’ve booked a trip using the On-Demand Transit Rider App, the status of your trip request will be updated to let you know your ride has been accepted. You will be notified when the vehicle is approaching your pick-up location and can then track the bus’ journey in real-time.
Q3. Will Route 28 buses still run on Sundays during the On-Demand pilot project?
A3. During the On-Demand pilot project, Route 28 will not operate on Sundays or select holidays.
Q4. What happens to Route 28 service on weekdays and Saturdays?
A4. Route 28 will continue its regular service on weekdays and Saturdays during the pilot. Service will not be impacted on these days.
Q5. If I'm used to taking Route 28, how will the On-Demand service impact my Sunday travel?
A5. If you frequently use Route 28 on Sundays, use On-Demand service to travel along Route 28. This service allows you to book trips in real-time and is designed to offer a more responsive transit experience.
Q6. Can I use On-Demand service without a reservation?
A6. Yes. You can approach a stationary On-Demand bus at Stop F at Blair Station for service, even if you have not booked a trip. Please note that walk-on service is subject to seating availability and is not guaranteed.
Q7. What should I do if I usually take Route 28 on Sundays, but am experiencing difficulty using the new On-Demand service?
A7. We understand that some customers may not be aware of this change and require assistance transitioning to using the new On-Demand service.
To assist you:
- On Sunday, February 11, Route 28 ran simultaneously with On-Demand service to help customers adjust to the change.
- Register for Alerts to receive updates on impacts to service, including Route 28 and OC Transpo On-Demand. You can also connect with us through Facebook , X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
- If you experience difficulties using On-Demand service, please reach out to OC Transpo Customer Service at 613-560-5000. Our team can help you use this new service.
- Your feedback is crucial. Please share your experiences and any difficulties you encounter using On-Demand service through our online feedback form or by calling Customer Service at 613-560-5000. Your feedback will help us to improve On-Demand service in the future.